Lazy Lion: An African Animal Tale (Paperback or Softback)

LAZY LION is a charming African folktale set in the vast plains of Kenya. It is retold by Mwenye Hadithi, with expressive and lively illustrations by Adrienne Kennaway. In this humorous story, Lazy Lion wants a house before the Big Rain comes, but he is far too picky to settle for just any shelter. The industrious animals work tirelessly to build him homes of every kind: the Weaver Birds craft delicate nests of grass and palm leaves, but Lion is too large to fit inside; the Ant Bears create dark, twisting tunnels, but Lion cannot see a thing. Despite the efforts of all the animals, Lazy Lion remains difficult to please, until a clever solution is found that satisfies everyone.

With gentle humour and vivid storytelling, LAZY LION celebrates problem-solving, cooperation, and the unexpected wisdom of community. Kennaway's warm illustrations capture the personalities of each animal, the Kenyan landscape, and the comic drama of Lion's trials.

Part of the African Animal Tales series, LAZY LION combines folklore, moral lessons, and striking artwork to bring Africa's storytelling traditions to young readers around the world. Perfect for read-aloud sessions, classroom lessons, and bedtime storytelling, this timeless tale has delighted children and adults for decades.

Mwenye Hadithi is the pen name of Bruce Hobson, a Kenyan-born author with a lifelong love of Africa - its wildlife, landscapes, and rich tradition of folklore. Through his acclaimed African Animal Tales series, Mwenye Hadithi introduced timeless fables from East Africa to readers around the world, blending humour, moral lessons, and an authentic storytelling voice.His much-loved tales began as bedtime stories for his daughter and her friends, evolving into a collection of picture books that have become modern classics of children's literature, read in homes, schools, and libraries worldwide. Known for his mischievous character, and flair for entertaining with magic tricks, impressions, and tall tales, Hobson captured the spirit of the oral traditions he so admired. His pseudonym, Mwenye Hadithi, meaning "storyteller" in Swahili, honours the generations of African narrators who came before him, and those who will follow.Beyond his literary work, Hobson was dedicated to horticulture, wildlife and conservation, with close ties to the Born Free Foundation, reflecting his lifelong respect for animals and the natural world.

Adrienne Kennaway is an award-winning illustrator celebrated for her vibrant and expressive watercolours. Born in New Zealand and raised in Kenya, she studied art in London and Rome, and has travelled all over the world. She has always loved nature and animals, and brings first-hand knowledge of African landscapes and wildlife to her art. Her work on the African Animal Tales series earned widespread acclaim for capturing the character and humour of the stories while authentically portraying African animals and Kenyan settings with enticing detail. Her understanding of colour and movement helps bring Mwenye Hadithi's vibrant stories to visual life.